Hi,
I have a Symphony, got her when they first came out (two years this fall) and I absolutely positively LOVE it!! I just can't think right off the top of my head what I love about it the most as I basically have no negative issue with it at all. It sew through layers like nothing, is so user friendily, threads like a dream, and just has so many features I know I haven't used them all yet!
If you have any questions or anything I can help you with don't hesitate to contact me, probably by PM as I don't always get on here to read posts.
You will love your Symphony. I also have the Elegante2 that I use for embroidery mostly...but did get my Symphony because I loved sewing so much on my Elegante....very similar machines in features other than the embroidery.
I think you will be so happy you went to that local fabric store and walked out with your machine!
Bev